Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust (FCCT) is a dynamic local charity and social enterprise working to make Fountainbridge a better place to live, work, do business and visit. We deliver projects that promote inclusion, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

Our work includes community boating activities, greenspace development, volunteering programmes, wellbeing walking groups, the Edinburgh Canal Festival, and a growing programme of community events. We are also preparing to open a new Canalside Community Space and to build a new sustainable trip boat for 2026—an exciting period of growth that this role will help bring us to life.

We are now looking for a motivated and skilled General Manager to lead our small, dedicated and experienced team and help shape the next stage of FCCT’s growth.

About the Role

As FCCT’s most senior staff member, you will provide strategic leadership while staying closely connected to day-to-day operations. This is a hands-on and varied role, ideal for someone who enjoys combining big-picture thinking with practical community-focused delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide inspiring and inclusive leadership for staff and volunteers
• Work with the Board to deliver strategic and operational plans
• Oversee impact measurement and reporting, including the Annual Report

Governance

• Act as the key link between the Board and staff
• Support strong governance, including acting as Company Secretary

Finance & Fundraising

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and reporting
• Drive fundraising, major grant applications, and income generation
• Build strong relationships with funders and partners

Operations & People

• Support and line-manage staff and volunteers
• Oversee social enterprise activities, community programmes, and events
• Lead delivery of flagship initiatives such as the Edinburgh Canal Festival
• Contribute to FCCT’s public profile and digital presence
• Participate in the on-call rota as Designated Person Ashore for boat operations

External Relations

• Act as the public face of FCCT
• Build partnerships with local groups, businesses, and stakeholders
• Champion the value of blue and green spaces and community wellbeing

About You

Essential:

• Strong leadership and management experience in a charity, social enterprise, or community setting
• Proven project management and fundraising skills
• Confident with financial information and decision-making
• Excellent people management skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery
• Committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and community empowerment

Desirable:

• Experience in community development, volunteering, environmental or heritage projects
• Income generation or social enterprise experience
• Understanding of impact measurement
• Experience supporting volunteers and inclusive participation

What We Offer

• A varied and meaningful leadership role in a friendly, purpose-driven charity
• Flexible working from day one
• Training and development opportunities
• Pro rata holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Christmas shutdown period
• 5% employer pension contribution
• An annual canal boat trip